Norfolk Police kicked off a month-long campaign yesterday looking to target the ‘fatal four offences’ throughout the county.
Led by the Roads and Armed Policing Team, the campaign will target those drivers who commit offences involving excess speed, using a mobile phone, failing to wear a seatbelt, and drink and drug-driving.
During the month of July, people killed and seriously injured on the roads increase by more than 20% based on the average across the year, according to data collated from 2018 to 2022.
Officers believe this happens for various reasons, including people making longer journeys and travelling outside of their local area during the holiday season.
People tend to make more journeys due to the nicer weather, including vulnerable road users such as cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
New hobbies are also often explored during the summer months such as running, walking and cycling.
As part of this campaign, officers will be out on patrol, taking the opportunity to speak to road users and explain the risks attached to their behaviours.
“Our priority is keeping Norfolk’s roads safe,” a spokesperson for the force said.
“We will be working to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured and protect other road users from the harm caused by those who choose to commit these incredibly dangerous offences.”
With so many fixtures and opportunities for a night out during the Euros for the first half of this month, police will have a particular focus on those driving under the influence during the tournament.
Those heading home after a match or driving to work the next morning are being reminded there is “no safe drink or drug drive limit”.
The Roads and Armed Policing Team will be on hand at fan zones and popular venues throughout the tournament to ensure that those travelling home are doing so safely.
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, head of the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Police Team, said: “While this campaign provides us with the opportunity to focus on all of the ‘fatal four’ main causes of collisions which result in death or serious injury, we are placing a specific focus on drink/drug-driving as the Euros tournament unfolds.
“We are aware that lots of people will be out watching matches and celebrating, but this should never involve drink or drug-driving.
“Your actions can have devastating consequences, not only for you but also those travelling around you. Do not be selfish and do not put yourself at risk.
“It is just as important to be aware of the risks around the other ‘fatal four’ offences, as speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt, can all result in equally devastating consequences.”
Officers are encouraging those who believe drink or drug-driving to be taking place to report it immediately by calling 999.